What You Need to Know About the New Balance 1080 v15 (Review and Opinion 2026)
An iconic model from New Balance, the 1080 remains one of the most popular training shoes in the world. For many years, it has been the gold standard for comfort in road running.
With this new version, New Balance is changing course.
Fresh Foam X is being phased out in favor of a new technology: Infinion, a supercritical foam injected with nitrogen. The promise is clear: a lighter, more modern, and more responsive shoe.
Does the New Balance 1080v15 manage to retain its comfortable feel while offering improved responsiveness? Is it a good choice for you?
Check out the full review below.
Our verdict
A great, versatile running shoe that offers comfort and more energy return.
The New Balance 1080v15 marks a real turning point. Say goodbye to Fresh Foam X, make way for Infinion foam: lighter, more modern, and with significantly more bounce. The result: a training shoe that retains its exceptional comfort while gaining greater responsiveness.
Weighing 244 g in size 42 with a 40/34 mm stack height, the 1080 v15 offers protective cushioning for long distances while still allowing you to pick up speed. At a slow pace, it may seem slightly less appealing than the v14. However, as soon as the pace picks up, the ride becomes smooth and more energetic.
The lockdown is precise, the fit is reliable, and it’s truly versatile. It’s not a pure racing shoe, but a modern daily trainer capable of running faster than ever before.
In short, the 1080 is moving away from being a “comfort cruiser” and becoming a more modern, high-performance training shoe.
Benefits
- Great comfort
- New Infinion foam, more modern and with more bounce
- Lighter design
- Precise foothold
- A model that remains versatile
Disadvantages
- A little less stable
- Less suitable for slow paces
- Breathability is not optimal
Cushioning
The major change in this 1080 v15 is in the midsole.
New Balance is phasing out Fresh Foam X to introduce Infinion, a new supercritical, nitrogen-infused foam that has not yet been used in the 1080 line. This update is designed to reduce weight while improving energy return during movement.
The heel-to-toe height has changed slightly: 40 mm at the heel and 34 mm at the forefoot, with a 6 mm Drop. This is a few millimeters higher than the previous version, which measured 38/32 mm.
Shock absorption is very good, perfectly suited for long distances, without being excessive.
The feel underfoot is still plush, but more responsive than in the previous version. There's clearly more bounce.
At a slow pace, the shoe may feel a little firmer than the 1080 v14. However, as soon as the pace picks up, the new Infinion foam shows its potential with a smooth and responsive ride.
Finally, the 6-mm drop may seem low, but the rocker allows for smooth transitions, so the ride feels very classic.
Energy Return
Weighing 244 g in size 42, down from 265 g previously, we finally have a modern and fairly lightweight design for a training shoe.
Combined with the new, more responsive foam, these shoes are much easier to run in and offer great responsiveness. This makes them better suited for varying your pace and accelerating.
It's not a racing shoe, but it's much better suited for performance.
Stability
Since Infinion foam is more compressible, stability changes slightly.
The platform remains wide and supportive for neutral runners, but the shoe is not designed to actively correct overpronation.
The heel's lateral geometry promotes gradual compression. At slow paces, some runners may experience slight lateral instability. At a steady pace, the shoe remains stable.
The New Balance 1080 v15 remains a relatively stable model, but the new, more responsive design results in a slight decrease in stability.
Foot Support
The upper of the New Balance 1080v15 features a redesigned Jacquard mesh, with thicker molded panels in the midfoot and over the toes.
This design provides good support without relying on traditional rigid reinforcements. The material is relatively thin, not very stretchy but flexible, which creates a snug, structured feel.
Breathability is satisfactory, but some runners have noted that the back may lack ventilation in hot weather. In moderate conditions, I didn’t experience any particular discomfort. On the other hand, protection in cool weather is excellent.
In terms of comfort, the 1080 v15 stays true to the spirit of the line. As soon as you slip it on, it feels soft and secure. The shoe retains that “slipper-like” feel that was so popular in previous versions, with a slightly more structured design.
The heel counter is very stiff and fairly low. It keeps the foot securely in place inside the shoe. The padded gusseted tongue stays in place, and the standard laces allow you to lock the foot securely in place.
So it provides precise, effective, and comfortable support.
Sizing and Fit
The shoe size corresponds to your usual size. However, the forefoot is narrower and slightly longer.
Some testers noted that there was a little more room in front of the big toe. This extra length might seem surprising at first, but it allows for foot swelling during long runs. Personally, it didn't bother me at all.
The toe box isn't wide, but its more rounded shape on top ensures good comfort. There are no issues with the midfoot either.
In short, the New Balance 1080 v15 is suitable for a variety of foot shapes. For runners with (very) wide feet, there is also a Wide version available.
Traction
The outsole of the New Balance 1080 v15 has a smaller footprint.
The outsole rubber is firm at the heel and more flexible at the forefoot. The foam is exposed in the center.
This choice makes the shoe lighter but reduces support by decreasing its stiffness.
The grip is good, even on wet surfaces, but some runners have found the traction on the front to be less than ideal. I haven't had any particular problems. Objectively speaking, the construction is standard, and there's enough outsole rubber to run safely.
You can run in these shoes on trails (e.g., dirt, gravel), but it's best to stick to paved surfaces to maximize their durability (this is not a trail running shoe).
Best for: For Which Runners?
The cushioning is generous and modern thanks to the new supercritical foam, making this model ideal for long distances.
The shoe is suitable for a wide range of runners: there are no restrictions in terms of skill level or foot type. It’s a good choice for beginners or as part of a rotation with other, higher-performance models for experienced runners.
The 1080v15 offers good versatility, but it is best for different tasks:
- At a slow pace (e.g., recovery easy run), this shoe may not be as appealing as previous versions
- On the other hand, as soon as the pace picks up, the ride becomes much more enjoyable
For training, we now have a true modern daily trainer, capable of pushing the pace during tempo runs and long interval workouts thanks to its superior propulsion.
Not surprisingly, it will be more limited during pure speed workouts (e.g., short repetitions).
In racing, other models may perform better, but its more responsive design makes it a good choice for your runs if you're looking for comfort at moderate paces (e.g., 5 min/km).
New Balance 1080 v15 vs. v14
The comparison with the 1080 v14 is clear.
- Infinion replaces Fresh Foam X for cushioning that’s a tad firmer but much more responsive
- The design is lighter
- As a result, the shoe is better suited for faster paces
- Less outsole rubber without compromising durability or comfort
In short, the 1080 is becoming a more modern training shoe. It’s moving away from the Asics Nimbus and getting (a little closer) to the Mizuno Neo Zen.
We're not far from a major overhaul.
Quality and Lifespan
So far, I haven't noticed any signs of premature wear, and I haven't read any reviews mentioning that. The upper is sturdy, and there's enough Outsole rubber to protect the deck.
The big unknown is the new foam, but knowing New Balance, the cushioning should remain effective for several hundred kilometers.
Finally, these shoes do not appear to contain any recycled materials and are not vegan. They are manufactured in Vietnam.
Conclusion
The New Balance 1080 v15 marks a turning point for New Balance.
By replacing the traditional Fresh Foam X foam with a more modern foam, the brand is repositioning its iconic model.
This shoe retains its comfortable and reassuring feel, which most runners love, while becoming more responsive and better suited to a variety of paces.
The 1080 v15 is thus an ambitious evolution, capable of supporting runners seeking comfort on all their daily runs.
Technical Description
Technical Specs
| Terrain | Road |
| Pronation type | Neutral |
| Drop | 6 mm |
| Heel height | 40 mm |
| Forefoot height | 34 mm |
| Weight (men) | 244 g/8.6 oz |
| Weight (women) | g/0 oz |
| Features | |
| Athletes | |
| Release year | 2026 |
| Price | Check prices |
Cushioning
| Softness | Balanced |
| Responsiveness | Medium |
Technologies
| Outsole | Caoutchouc |
| Midsole | Mousse Infinion |
| Upper | Double-layer perforated mesh |
Use
| Speed | Slow, Moderate |
| Distance | Short, 5K, Mid, 10K, Half marathon, Long, Marathon |
| Workout | Daily running |
Reference: New Balance official website
